The new-for-2008 C-Class has only been on sale a few months, but Mercedes has wasted no time in bringing us the Maximum Strength version. You know the usual AMG brew: take a standard model, add bags of power, sharpen up the handling, super-size the brakes/wheels/tires, upgrade the interior, add some body armor, and limit the production to a handful to keep things exclusive. Behold the C63.

In case you're wondering how this sophisticated, 451 horsepower, pit-bull-of-a-compact sport sedan compares to the BMW M3 and Lexus IS-F, we'll have that answer for you soon enough. But the Bad Little Benz out-powers both (the BMW spools out 414 horsepower, the 5.0-liter Lexus is rated at 420). Power isn't everything...but it's an important something to many enthusiasts. Even though the car is named in honor of the original Mercedes 6.3-liter limo motor from the 1960s, it's actually 6.2-liters in displacement. Another important number is torque: 443 pounds feet of torque. Chrysler's vaunted 6.1-liter Hemi - an impressive piece, for sure - is rated at 420. This machine grabs you the minute you light the motor, and the four big exhaust pipes erupt. It gurgles to the delight of everyone, inside or outside the car. Let off the throttle, and it burbles on the overrun.Wonderful.

The seven-speed, AMG calibrated paddle tranny shifts quickly and responsively; not quite like the best DSG type robotic manual boxes, but snappy on the upshift with a rev-matching blip on the downshift. Leave it in Comfort mode, and it melts from gear to gear. Select Sport, and the shifts are faster, and come at higher rpm. Choose Manual, and drive it off the steering wheel paddles. No, there's no manual or DSG tranny to be had, but Mercedes makes this one work just fine.

The cabin is all biz, with firm, thickly bolstered sport seats. Although a couple of our staffers felt they were too firm, most agreed they were appropriate for the car, and perfect for the race track. The steering wheel that's squared off on the bottom just like a racecar's, and the sides of the wheel are upholstered in grippy, dimpled leather. We appreciated the pop-up nav screen that's there, and large, when you want it, and gone when you don't feel like staring at one. Sure, there are lots of buttons on the IP and center stack, but many still prefer this to BMW's iDrive controller philosophy. If there's another downside to this (or any new) C-Class, is a dearth of rear seat legroom, even though this new gen C is longer than the last. The aforementioned body work includes flared fenders, bulging to cover the racy rolling stock, and a 1.4 inch increase in track.

The C63 boasts nicely weighted, communicative steering; something we used to beat up on Mercedes-Benz for not delivering. The ride is firm, as you'd expect, but not punishing. The brakes deliver supercar-like 103 foot stops from 60, but don't communicate as well as the steering does. And how 'bout 0.95 on the skid pad? Talk about sticktion. And I can confirm, with no hesitation, that this musclecar Benz has no trouble hitting its 155 mph, electronically capped speed limit. The word is that, beginning with the '09 model year, buyers will be able to specify an option that deletes the limiter. At that point, expect an easy 185.

The C63 is shockingly quick, and a well balanced piece, as most AMG models are. And there's a masculine character about it that's been lacking in every previous C-Class. The Bauhaus design works well, especially when fully kitted to AMG spec. More than anything, I love its high level of emotion - something more cars need more of.

This episode is what swayed me from the upcoming M3 to the C63. The M3 wins in the handling department, as usual, but I'm going to be driving my car on the street the majority of the time, and not the track.

Because of this, I want torque, and I want to tap into power without having to get those rpms sky high. I think the C63 will be more fun, the M3 the better track car. Although, The C63 doesn't seem to have the brake fading problem that plagues the M3 right now.

Plus, after getting the Dinan flash, I didn't think that switching to the M3 eventually would provide enough of a different feel in terms of power. Who knows. Still gotta drive both cars.

Looks great in white and I really like that interior. I'm quite pleased with the C63. The only thing Mercdes should have tried harder with is it's handling. It really was a handful in that Topgear review...

This episode is what swayed me from the upcoming M3 to the C63. The M3 wins in the handling department, as usual, but I'm going to be driving my car on the street the majority of the time, and not the track.

Because of this, I want torque, and I want to tap into power without having to get those rpms sky high. I think the C63 will be more fun, the M3 the better track car. Although, The C63 doesn't seem to have the brake fading problem that plagues the M3 right now.

Plus, after getting the Dinan flash, I didn't think that switching to the M3 eventually would provide enough of a different feel in terms of power. Who knows. Still gotta drive both cars.

Its a beautiful car, look forward to some pics.

IMOP only, getting the Dinan stg 2 is 90% of the M3 power with improved day-day driving and no "M" type breakdowns.

Looks great in white and I really like that interior. I'm quite pleased with the C63. The only thing Mercdes should have tried harder with is it's handling. It really was a handful in that Topgear review...

I love both the M3 and the C63 in white. The interior of the Merc is especially gorgeous when you include the Black Birdseye Maple, which will be a trim option that is exclusive for the C63 that can't be found in the C300 or C350. I will try to get some pics of it.

Looks great in white and I really like that interior. I'm quite pleased with the C63. The only thing Mercdes should have tried harder with is it's handling. It really was a handful in that Topgear review...

Looks great in white and I really like that interior. I'm quite pleased with the C63. The only thing Mercdes should have tried harder with is it's handling. It really was a handful in that Topgear review...

+1. Looks sexy in white. The exterior body details and diffuser contrast well with it.

Really folks, the curb weight of a car is obviously without driver. But since the average American is grossly overweight (by almost 40 lbs), all you really need to do is maintain a correct body weight, and you'll be lighter than just about every other C63 out there...and many other 335's as well!

It just blows me away that people will spend hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars in lightweight upgrades to shave a couple of pounds here and there, but won't SAVE some money by eating less, and saving tons of weight. You know who you are.

I will apologize in advance to those who are already at a medically healthy weight.

C^3

Quote:

Originally Posted by mantis

oh it has a 3rd pedal... no wait, they only know how to do the wrong 3rd pedal

AMG = american muscle

edit again: what a fucking porker! 4004!!! i'd do whatever it takes to get it back in 3000's even if 3999 lbs

Really folks, the curb weight of a car is obviously without driver. But since the average American is grossly overweight (by almost 40 lbs), all you really need to do is maintain a correct body weight, and you'll be lighter than just about every other C63 out there...and many other 335's as well!

It just blows me away that people will spend hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars in lightweight upgrades to shave a couple of pounds here and there, but won't SAVE some money by eating less, and saving tons of weight. You know who you are.

I will apologize in advance to those who are already at a medically healthy weight.

C^3

I understand where you're coming from, but 4000lbs is redic for a car of this size.